What is IP address management (IPAM)? IPAM is the detailed systematic process used to manage IP (I\internet protocol) addresses.
It generally needs to be integrated with a DNS (domain name system) and/or a DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) in addition to other servers, such as routing management systems and authentication servers. A value-added IPAM will facilitate improved communication between a DNS and DHCP to better monitor IP address assignment, usage, abuses, and to troubleshoot problems. IPAM solutions are becoming increasingly necessary as internet usage increases exponentially and larger networks with larger address pools are commonplace.
An effective IPAM will monitor and collect information regarding the IP addresses in your network pool. The IPAM will give you a fully transparent view of your pool, including how your IP addresses are being used now and how they were used in the past. Your IPAM will also be able to identify which subnet your IP addresses are assigned to and whether they are currently in use or be able to determine when they were last used.
In today’s world, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of devices with access to the internet. Each and every one of these devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, require their own unique IP address. The increased demand and usage of these devices have caused a huge expectation on enterprise networks to be more robust, flexible, and complex to stay productive and competitive. IPAM will monitor all IP address usage in real time and provide an extra layer of security to monitor changes in behavior, misuse, or abuse, quickly identifying any potential security threats to your network. IPAM can also help to ensure various levels of compliance are being met in accordance with regulatory compliance standards based on industry needs. You can also identify specific protocols you want the IPAM to track and easily generate vital reports or logs as desired.
There are currently two types of IP addresses being used today: IPv4 and IPv6. IP addresses that are IPv4 are represented by 32 bits. Because of the substantial worldwide growth of the internet, newer versions of IP addresses are IPv6, which are 128 bits. In an IPv4, each part is represented by 8 bits, called “octets.” Each part is separated by dot-decimal notation. In an IPv6, the sections are separated by colons (:) and allow for 2128 more addresses.
The numbers identify your network and your host or computer. An IP address can generally be broken down into subnetworks and then further into parts. The four parts are known as the network prefix concerning the high order bits (first section), rest field, host identifier, and interface identifier, which makes up the second section. These four parts do not have to be divided equally. Each part will come together in a way that will define your host and network ID and determine the network class assignment.
IPAM software solutions simplify the management of your IP space and can provide complete transparency into the administration of your DNS/DHCP processes, total IP address assignments, and end-user device IP address associations. IPAM software solutions can provide real-time awareness of all your IP address utilization and do so in minutes, rather than hours or even days. IPAM software tools come with out-of-the-box features that are easy to use and deploy very quickly to keep your networks healthy and very safe. An effective solution will proactively identify problems and help identify fixes to avoid any disruption or downtime to your network. Most IPAM software solutions will also offer a host of critical, easily generated reports to monitor and keep your network running smoothly and maintain productivity and profitability at all times.
